[Roger]

Update: tree swallows have been observed building a nest in the box.

[Roger]

Hi Tammy,

When I go to the link you posted, I get the message “You do not have permission to access message system” in a red box.

[Roger]

Thank you, I have it and will reach out.

[Roger]

Thank you AIH. I guess the odds are on HOSP attack. Meets these criteria from sialis.org: “White noodle shaped feces on nestbox roof…eggs suddenly disappear, or eggs are broken in nest or on ground near box or under bush.”

Just wondering what the next practical steps are. Clean out the nest? How long should I wait until I do it?

And can I expect maybe another couple this season?

I will also continue active HOSP control.

[Roger]

I am doing research and noticed this quote on the HOSP attack page on sialis.org: “…a male HOSP entered my bluebird box and totally destroyed all four eggs. He threw them out of the box, all were pecked open.” I think this is what happened here. I didn’t see this happen but it must have happened earlier in the day because the egg yolks have somewhat congealed.

[Roger]

My friends I am devastated. I just did a nest check and there are 4 bluebird eggs on the ground, all cracked open, and one stuck to the roof of the box, also with a pecking mark on one side. Could this be a predator attack or did the bluebirds do this and abandon their young? Just looking for some answers.

[Roger]

Good thoughts AIH. Perhaps it is a different egg? I will update this thread on the next next check.

[Roger]

I have found some sad and confounding but interesting behavior.

There is an egg, likely cracked on its bottom, sitting on the roof of my nest box. Both the male and female were perched on the roof. The reason I think it’s cracked on the bottom is because it’s stationary on the roof which is very much slanted so an egg would easily roll off.

Thoughts anyone? Perhaps a bad egg that is being discarded by the couple?

I have some pictures and will work on eventually posting pictures here.

[Roger]

AIH, I’m glad the bluebirds are in your vicinity, even if not in your box.

Tammy, I’m surprised about the bluebirds being that close. I too read the 300 feet number and I have seen 2 male bluebirds in a momentous struggle over territory while both their females looked on. I have also observed the male bluebird from the couple at my box chasing away another male aerially so they seem quite territorial in this season.

[Roger]

I’m sorry Tammy but the messaging area you so nicely highlighted above does not show up for me.

I’m pretty sure messaging is somehow not enabled for my account.

My account name is BluebirdFan2011.

I understand wanting to remain anonymous on the public forum, I would like to do that too.

In any case, I am having no problems right now and my bluebird couple are incubating their 5 (!) eggs. Still, it would be nice to have a bluebird pen pal for any issues that may arise.

Thanks again.

[Roger]

5 eggs today on nest check! I directly saw the female leave the box so I knew it was safe to peek.

Fingers crossed for them.

[Roger]

Thank you, David, but I have solved my HOSP issues for now. I will be in touch if any more issues arise.

3 eggs today! Excited for this couple of bluebirds. The eggs are a little shiny. Fingers crossed for all of them.

[Roger]

Hopefully soon!

[Roger]

2 eggs in the nest today! I think I missed one yesterday due to it being at the very bottom of the cup.

[Roger]

Congrats! Please keep the pictures coming.

[Author]

Posts